Marine Corps Planning Process Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the two major categories of planning?

Operational Planning (correct)

Force Planning (correct)

Strategic Planning

Tactical Planning

What is an Operational Order?

An order or directive issued by the command to subordinate commanders/Marines for coordinated execution of an operation.

What is a Fragmentary Order?

An abbreviated order which comes from the original operations order.

What is a Warning Order?

A preliminary notice to subordinate commanders and Marines of the operation's order or plan to follow. Signup and view all the answers

Define Planning.

The art and science of envisioning a desired future and laying out effective ways of bringing it about. Signup and view all the answers

What is the generic planning process?

Assess the Situation, Establish Goals and Objectives, Conceptualize a Course of Action, Detail the Course of Action, Evaluate a Course of Action, Issue an Order/ Implement the Plan. Signup and view all the answers

Define top-down planning.

Top-down planning is when the commander drives the planning process from start to finish. Signup and view all the answers

Define single-battle concept.

Viewing everything both inside and outside the area of operations as having an effect on one another. Signup and view all the answers

Define integrated planning.

Having a disciplined approach to planning through coordinated actions with all primary and subordinate units involved. Signup and view all the answers

Define conceptual planning.

The 'highest' level of planning that establishes aims, objectives, and intentions. Signup and view all the answers

Define functional planning.

Operates between conceptual and detailed planning and involves elements of both. Signup and view all the answers

Define detailed planning.

The lowest level of planning where subordinate planners translate broad concepts into executable tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six steps to the Marine Corps Planning Process?

Problem Framing, Course of Action Development, Course of Action Wargaming, Course of Action Comparison and Decision, Orders Development, Transition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of problem framing?

To gain an enhanced understanding of the environment and the nature of the problem. Signup and view all the answers

Define design.

Design is conceptual planning that articulates a framework for solving a problem. Signup and view all the answers

Define commander's orientation.

The commander's initial understanding of the environment and the problem as presented. Signup and view all the answers

Define task analysis.

The process of breaking tasks down into specified, implied, and essential tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Identify critical outputs of problem framing.

Intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) product refinement, Center of gravity (COG) analysis, red cell activities, green cell activities, refinement of staff estimates, battlespace refinement, resource shortfall identification, commander's critical information requirements (CCIR) review/update, requests for information (RFIs). Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem framing brief?

A brief given from the staff to the commander for his review/approval of the completed products. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the five elements of a Course of Action (COA).

Suitable, Feasible, Acceptable, Distinguishable, Complete. Signup and view all the answers

Define a synchronization matrix.

It depicts the activities of the MAGTF and subordinate elements over time. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the commander's wargaming guidance and criteria.

The final step where the commander provides guidance and criteria for evaluating COAs. Signup and view all the answers

Identify critical outputs of COA development.

Designated COAs for the wargame, the commander's wargame guidance and evaluation criteria, updated IPB products and refined staff estimates, initial estimates of supportability and any additional requirements from subordinate commanders. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the two types of wargames.

Formal and Informal. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the four methods for conducting wargames.

Belt method, Avenue-in-depth method, Box method, Sequence of essential tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the critical roles in conducting a wargame.

Wargame facilitator, friendly forces, red cell leader, green cell leader, recorder. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the purpose of the Course of Action (COA) wargame brief.

To include advantages and disadvantages of each COA, along with suggested modifications. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the different ways a commander can evaluate his course of action.

Advantages, Disadvantages, Risks. Signup and view all the answers

Define orders development.

The step that communicates the commander's decision in a clear, useful form. Signup and view all the answers

Define transition.

The final step of MCPP that may require briefs, drills, or rehearsals for successful execution. Signup and view all the answers

State the purpose of an OPT.

To support the commander in decision-making and integrating planning efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the different roles of the OPT members and their duties.

OPT Leader, Facilitator, Information Manager, Recorder. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the critical considerations for the OPT.

Time management, Information management, Workspace preparation, Briefing guidance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marine Corps Planning Process Overview

Planning is categorized into two major types: Force Planning and Operational Planning.
Operational orders (OPORD) facilitate coordinated execution of operations, with formal documents outlining directives for subordinate commanders.

Orders in Planning

Fragmentary Orders provide abbreviated guidance stemming from original OPORDs.
Warning Orders serve as preliminary notices to prepare subordinates for upcoming operations.

Planning Definition

Planning involves envisioning a desired future and developing effective strategies to achieve it, as defined by MCDP 5.

Generic Planning Process

The general steps include assessing the situation, establishing goals, conceptualizing and detailing a course of action, evaluating actions, and issuing orders for implementation.

Types of Planning

Top-down planning features command-driven processes from initiation to conclusion.
The single-battle concept considers interdependencies within and outside the operational area.
Integrated planning ensures coordinated efforts among all units involved.
Conceptual planning establishes high-level aims and intentions, while functional planning bridges conceptual and detailed planning.
Detailed planning translates broader concepts into actionable tasks.

Marine Corps Planning Process Steps

Six critical steps include Problem Framing, Course of Action (COA) Development, Wargaming, COA Comparison, Orders Development, and Transition.

Problem Framing

Enhances understanding of environmental contexts and problem nature.
Outputs include intelligence preparation, center of gravity analysis, refinement of estimates, and identification of resource shortfalls.
Problem framing briefs provide commanders with insights for review and approval.

Course of Action Development

Successful COAs should be Suitable, Feasible, Acceptable, Distinguishable, and Complete.
The synchronization matrix illustrates unit activities and interrelations over time.

Wargaming

Two types exist: Formal and Informal wargaming, employing four methods: Belt, Avenue-in-depth, Box, and Sequence of essential tasks.
Critical roles in wargaming include facilitator, red and green cell leaders, recorders, and friendly forces.

Evaluation and Development

COA wargaming briefs outline advantages and disadvantages of each COA, along with suggested modifications.
Commanders can evaluate COAs based on advantages, disadvantages, and associated risks.

Orders Development and Transition

Orders development clearly communicates the commander's decisions for execution clarity.
Transition requires rehearsals and briefs to ensure smooth execution shift from planning.

Operational Planning Teams (OPT)

The OPT supports commander decision-making by clarifying problems and fostering information sharing.
Roles within the OPT include Leader, Facilitator, Information Manager, and Recorder.

Critical Considerations

Key factors for OPT effectiveness include time management, information handling, workspace setup, and briefing guidance.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Marine Corps Planning Process with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts such as Force Planning, Operational Planning, and the Operational Order. Get ready to sharpen your understanding of military planning terminology!